Check out this blog to know the process of becoming a GST Consultant/ Practitioner. Also, learn about the duties and responsibilities of a GST consultant, the annual earnings, and other relevant information.
Goods and Services Tax (GST), with its details and complexities, is not easy to understand. A layman cannot successfully understand or manage its different tax slabs and exemptions to some sectors. This is where a GST consultant steps in. He is a professional, well versed with taxation rules and regulations. He is also up-to-date with amendments and new additions to the taxation policies. These consultants help and guide their clients towards efficient GST management.
A GST consultant needs to be registered on the GSTN portal and should also possess a certification of a GST Practitioner before starting his/ her practice. With Government approval, these consultants can do the following:
- File an application for new registration
- Apply for changes or cancellation of registration
- Apply for refunds or claims
- Gather details of inward and outward supplies
- Help file GST returns
- Deposit credit into the electronic ledger system
- He can also represent the client before GST officials.
Eligibility Criteria to be fulfilled to become a GST Consultant
- Should be an Indian citizen
- Should possess a valid PAN Card, e-mail ID, and mobile number
- Should not be declared bankrupt/ insolvent
- Should not have been convicted/jailed for more than two years
- The minimum qualification for this is graduation or an equivalent degree
- Should possess a degree from an Indian University or a Foreign University that is equivalent to Indian degree exams
- Chartered Accountant holding COP
- Company Secretary holding COP
- Cost and Management Accountant holding COP
- Candidates appearing for finals of ICAI, ICSI, and ICMAI are also eligible
- Advocates
- Retired Government Officials
- Sales Tax Practitioner under existing law
- Tax Return Preparer under existing law
- A retired officer of the Commercial Tax Department of any state govt. or of the CBIC who has worked in a post of Group – B (or higher) gazetted officer for a minimum period of 2 years
- Tax Return Preparer registered for at least five years
- Sales Tax Practitioner registered for at least five years
Importance of GST Practitioner Certificate
After being registered for the GST practitioner, the person should clear the GSTP exam within two years. Since a GST Practitioner/consultant performs important work, he needs to be registered on the GST Portal and must clear the exam to obtain a certificate. This helps in increasing his credibility and trust with the clients.
The main reason behind hiring a GST consultant is to eliminate the complexity and bewilderment while filing GST returns and other GST-associated issues. A consultant will see to it that the GST returns are filed timely. He will always be available to assist and solve all GST-related queries. In his hands, the tax-related activities will be dealt with in a professional manner. He will better understand the future changes and additions made to the GST policies and guide and steer accordingly.
How to become a GST Consultant?
The below-given steps should be followed to register for the GST practitioner examination:
Application Process:
The first step is to fill out the application form. Visit the official website and click on the register now option. As the new page is displayed, click on new registration. In the I am option, select GST practitioner. Now, enter your state and District. Enter your credentials like Name, mobile number, e-mail ID, PAN number, and other details. Type in the captcha code and click on Proceed. After the validation is complete, it will be redirected to the verification page. Enter the OTP received by you and click on Proceed. Now, you will receive a TRN code (sent to your registered e-mail ID). Enter the TRN and captcha code to proceed. Now, enter the OTP received on your mobile and e-mail. You will be directed to the Save my application page. Here, click on the edit option. A new page will open where you require to fill in the following details:
- Name of the University
- Year of passing
- Name of the degree
- Upload the required documents
- Click on Save
Now, you must enter your personal details:
- Full Name
- DoB
- Gender
- Aadhaar Card number
- Upload the photo
- Click on the Save option
In the next section, you need to enter your professional address
- Enter the residential address with the PIN code
- Choose the residential proof that you wish to submit
- Upload the document
- Click on Save
Now, you will be redirected to the GST verification page. Here, you need to tick on the verification statement checkbox, enter the name of the place and select the document format. click on agree. Enter the OTP received and click on continue. After the final submission, you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail with an application reference number.
Before registering for GST, calculate the GST amount that needs to be paid using our GST calculator.How much does a GST Consultant Earn?
A GST Consultant/ Practitioner in India earns between ₹ 1.4 Lakhs to ₹ 8.9 Lakhs a month with an average annual income of ₹ 3.2 Lakhs.
GST on GST Consulting Services
The GST charged on GST consulting services is 18 per cent. The services offered by a consultant are:
- Appear as an authorised representative
- Claim for refund in form RFD-11
- Creating challan and depositing cash into the electronic cash ledger
- Fill the GSTR 9 and GSTR 4 returns
- Filling out GSTR 1, GSTR-3B, CMP-08, ITC-04, and various other returns and ITC forms
- Prepare application for amendment/ cancellation/ revocation of cancellation of GST registration
- Preparing for opting into/ withdrawal from the composition levy
- View and create applications on Advance Rulings, DRC-03, and LUT
- Viewing GST notices
- Viewing the electronic cash, credit ledgers, and liabilities
Important: It must be noted that GST practitioners cannot submit applications on behalf of their clients. They can save the application online, but the final filing of the application must be done by the taxpayer.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been useful in providing relevant details regarding the process of becoming a GST consultant. To become a GST Practitioner/ consultant, one must register and take the exam. The registration is valid for two years, and the exam needs to be cleared during this period. After clearing the exam, he/ she will become an authorised GST representative.
If you require any help or guidance on the GST: https://www.gst.gov.in/ issue, you can visit Vakilsearch and connect with a CA to help resolve the queries.
Read More:
